Pavia Mentored by Manziel for NFL Draft
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is on a mission to make his mark before the 2026 NFL Draft, aiming to convince all 32 professional teams of his readiness for the league. As the 2025 SEC Offensive Player of the Year, Pavia is drawing valuable insights from a former first-round talent, Johnny Manziel, to navigate the crucial pre-draft journey.
Pavia shared details about his connection with Manziel and the guidance he's receiving during his media availability at the 2026 NFL Combine. "He's been instrumental in preparing me for what to expect and how to manage the entire process," Pavia stated. "He offers solid advice and consistently checks in to ensure I'm doing well."
Manziel, much like Pavia, is a smaller quarterback who excelled in the SEC. His collegiate career at Texas A&M saw him make history as the first freshman to secure the Heisman Trophy in 2012. His electrifying play earned him the moniker "Johnny Football" and prompted the Cleveland Browns to draft him 22nd overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. However, Manziel's NFL tenure was brief, marked by an 8-game stint with a 2-6 record, a 57% completion rate, 1,675 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and seven interceptions, before his release in early 2016.
Pavia has also garnered a reputation as a dynamic and sometimes polarizing figure, similar to Manziel. This perception was amplified by a social media post criticizing Heisman Trophy voters after he finished as runner-up to Fernando Mendoza. Furthermore, NFL talent evaluators have expressed concerns regarding whether Pavia's 5-foot-9, 198-pound build will translate to NFL success.
Despite these doubts, Pavia remains resolute in his belief in his potential as an NFL quarterback. He emphasized the significance of having Manziel in his corner as he works to prove his capabilities. "He's become a close friend," Pavia remarked about Manziel. "He offers genuine mentorship and has been a supportive presence, not just for me but for my family as well. He's a remarkable individual."
